Commuting's effect on others around you
#1
Hey let's ride.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Allen, TX
Posts: 2,002
Bikes: Torelli road bike, Tsunami tandem
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Commuting's effect on others around you
I started commuting to work about 1 month ago. I'm working at a new facility that's only about 5 miles from my home. Every morning when I arrive I go through the clean up ritual, luckily we have a shower. It almost never fails, when someone sees me walking my bike in or simply heading to the locker room a conversion about commuting and healthy living starts. I'm in good general physical condition and very near my ideal weight but in no way I'm I an expert on healthy life styles. People are asking me a range of exercise related questions. So here's my point, just the fact that others see you doing something healthy appears to peak their interest and in some cases it does appear to motivate others to get some exercise. On top of that, it's been an excellent conversation starter and has allowed me to meet and get to know others here at our facility.
#2
Bicycle Utopian
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 787
Bikes: Bianchi Campione d'Italia, Softride Qualifier, Ritchey Breakaway Cyclocross
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Just the simple act of successfully riding your bike to work will open the eyes of some to the idea that this is a valid choice. Way to go.
#3
Infamous Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 24,360
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
I get to work a good hour before everyone else, but even on the days I don't, people know better than to attempt conversation with me until at least noon, and even then, prepped with an email or IM. They call me the Bear and there are signs all over the building that warn "Don't Poke Da Bear".
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 411
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
i've been riding my bike to work now for a year and a half and there are 2 new converts. I never pushed them to start riding but i guess they realized it was the right exercise for them. now i just talk them about cycling often and try to keep them excited about it.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Boston (sort of)
Posts: 3,878
Bikes: 1 road, 1 Urban Assault Vehicle
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
It depends where you work. At my company, no one drives to work anyway, and bicycle commuting isn't remarkable. My boss doesn't ride to work because the distance is too short.
#6
I am Joe's lactic acid.
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 370
Bikes: 2008 Windsor Cyclo, and some spares.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Out of nearly thirty people here, 4 are in their 20's.
At 27, I'm the second youngest person here.
So when I come in on my bike, they think "Must be good to be young" or "Oh, that crazy whippersnapper biking 10 miles to work." They don't see it as something they're capable of doing. Everyone has the impression that I'm some superior athlete or something.
But off the top of my head, I can't think of anyone who really lives close enough and has a family situation that makes biking practical. Either they're too far, or have to pick up the kids on the way home, etc...
So no, my commuting has no effect on anyone.
At 27, I'm the second youngest person here.
So when I come in on my bike, they think "Must be good to be young" or "Oh, that crazy whippersnapper biking 10 miles to work." They don't see it as something they're capable of doing. Everyone has the impression that I'm some superior athlete or something.
But off the top of my head, I can't think of anyone who really lives close enough and has a family situation that makes biking practical. Either they're too far, or have to pick up the kids on the way home, etc...
So no, my commuting has no effect on anyone.
#7
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Apex, NC
Posts: 22
Bikes: Fuji Roubaix RC, Trek 7.5FX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I had a co-worker that I have never met before, come up to me last week and ask where the best gyms are located around Cary/Apex/Morriville,NC area. He apparently just relocated to our area and since he saw a bike in my cube figured I would know, I asked him why he asked me of all people since I thought it was funny considering I have never had a gym membership in my life.
#8
Neat - w/ ice on the side
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Big Ring. Little Cog.
Posts: 1,200
Bikes: 2005 Dahon Speed TR, 2006 Dahon Mu SL, 2000 GT XiZang, 1999ish Rock Lobster, 2007 Dean Animas CTI
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I get to work a good hour before everyone else, but even on the days I don't, people know better than to attempt conversation with me until at least noon, and even then, prepped with an email or IM. They call me the Bear and there are signs all over the building that warn "Don't Poke Da Bear".
One of my coworkers bikes now recreationally as a result of my biking to work.
__________________
Current favorite bumper sticker: Wag more. Bark less.
Change you can believe in - Bigfoot Nessie 08
Current favorite bumper sticker: Wag more. Bark less.
Change you can believe in - Bigfoot Nessie 08
#9
The Haberdasher
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Philadelphia
Posts: 1,018
Bikes: Panasonic AL-7000
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
When I have my cycling clothes hanging on the window frame after a particularly sweaty ride people tend to avoid my office. Is that what we are talking about?
#10
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Colorado
Posts: 15
Bikes: 1988 Jamis Diablo, 1988 Centurion Sport, 2007 Giant Rincon
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Out of nearly thirty people here, 4 are in their 20's.
At 27, I'm the second youngest person here.
So when I come in on my bike, they think "Must be good to be young" or "Oh, that crazy whippersnapper biking 10 miles to work." They don't see it as something they're capable of doing. Everyone has the impression that I'm some superior athlete or something.
But off the top of my head, I can't think of anyone who really lives close enough and has a family situation that makes biking practical. Either they're too far, or have to pick up the kids on the way home, etc...
So no, my commuting has no effect on anyone.
At 27, I'm the second youngest person here.
So when I come in on my bike, they think "Must be good to be young" or "Oh, that crazy whippersnapper biking 10 miles to work." They don't see it as something they're capable of doing. Everyone has the impression that I'm some superior athlete or something.
But off the top of my head, I can't think of anyone who really lives close enough and has a family situation that makes biking practical. Either they're too far, or have to pick up the kids on the way home, etc...
So no, my commuting has no effect on anyone.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Highland Park, NJ, USA
Posts: 3,798
Bikes: "Hildy", a Novara Randonee touring bike; a 16-speed Bike Friday Tikit; and a Specialized Stumpjumper frame-based built-up MTB, now serving as the kid-carrier, grocery-getter.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I get a lot of questions about what bike to buy, although I have yet to see anyone follow up. The guy in the cube next to me sounds like he's getting serious about a cruiser, though.
__________________
Tour Journals, Blog, ride pix
My bands:
Tour Journals, Blog, ride pix
My bands:
- Uke On! - ukulele duo - Videos
- Ukulele Abyss - ukulele cover videos - Videos
- Baroque and Hungry's (Celtic fusion) full-length studio album Mended.
- Artistic Differences - 8-track EP Dreams of Bile and Blood.
#12
Cycle Dallas
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Land of Gar, TX
Posts: 3,777
Bikes: Dulcinea--2017 Kona Rove & a few others
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 197 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
5 Posts
Once I get to work, I get off the bike and light a cigarette. That pretty much squelches any health or fitness conversations that might come up.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 249
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
A guy in my office keeps talking to me about biking stuff. Honestly I have no idea what he's talking about, he's throwing all these bike-specific terms and brand names.
I chose my bike based on how it felt and how it fit, and I know how to operate it. I don't know all the terms and every brand and type on the market. I just smile and nod.
I chose my bike based on how it felt and how it fit, and I know how to operate it. I don't know all the terms and every brand and type on the market. I just smile and nod.
#14
Just a student
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Yakima, wa
Posts: 277
Bikes: Cannondale, schiwin old road bike fuji a unicycle
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
i have helped inspire a few to ride but some just look at me like i am crazy, but i can park 10 feet away from my machine nice
#15
Dropped myself
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 397
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
My office is a danger zone. I am a middle school librarian, and the library office is the largest office in the building... sometimes it gets used as a psuedo classroom. Aides will take students in there to make up work because it's quiet.
Unfortunately, my office is also where I hang my clothes to dry when they are all sweaty, I wear my roadie lycra on the commute. Fortunately, my own aide is usually on the ball, and can swoop into the office on a seconds notice to throw my jersey or something over my sports bra so that unsuspecting children will not be scarred by the sight of it. She really deserves a raise for having to deal with my cycling togs.
Unfortunately, my office is also where I hang my clothes to dry when they are all sweaty, I wear my roadie lycra on the commute. Fortunately, my own aide is usually on the ball, and can swoop into the office on a seconds notice to throw my jersey or something over my sports bra so that unsuspecting children will not be scarred by the sight of it. She really deserves a raise for having to deal with my cycling togs.
#16
Senior Member
I've been commuting to work for over two years now, and as far as I can tell it hasn't had the slightest influence on any of my coworkers. They don't even think twice about driving 1.5 miles to work, or buying a brand new full-size SUV to transport them that distance (alone of course.) My boss drives her Expedition about 2 miles to work and her husband, who also works there, drives his Explorer the same distance. That's right, they drive TWO separate SUVs alone from the same house and to the same destination, almost always arriving and leaving at the same time.
I must say, though, back in the Spring one of my coworkers did ride to work with me, but he did it only for exercise, and he drove to my apartment first which completely negated any gas saving/environmental damage. Such is the South.
I must say, though, back in the Spring one of my coworkers did ride to work with me, but he did it only for exercise, and he drove to my apartment first which completely negated any gas saving/environmental damage. Such is the South.
#17
Where am I?
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 179
Bikes: Old Centurion Accordo (in the process of being SS'ed), Cannondale Quick 5 (racks/panniers/fenders, utility bike), Trek XO1 (fun/fast/main ride)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Every time someone makes a crack about "Hey, you made it to work alive again today!", I have to resist the temptation to smack them silly.
Despite multiple conversations in which I repeatedly pointed out that cycling is no more dangerous than driving when done correctly, people still see me as "that crazy guy who bikes to work".
Then they run off to yammer about how unfortunate it is that they are out of shape (I am literally one of two people in the office that has some sort of physical fitness program), and complain that the fast food that they order every day has too many calories...and then they brighten up as they realize that they can drink vitamin water and that will help them lose weight.
Did I mention that I have to suppress my instinctive reactions to these folks?
Despite multiple conversations in which I repeatedly pointed out that cycling is no more dangerous than driving when done correctly, people still see me as "that crazy guy who bikes to work".
Then they run off to yammer about how unfortunate it is that they are out of shape (I am literally one of two people in the office that has some sort of physical fitness program), and complain that the fast food that they order every day has too many calories...and then they brighten up as they realize that they can drink vitamin water and that will help them lose weight.
Did I mention that I have to suppress my instinctive reactions to these folks?
#18
Older than dirt
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Winchester, VA
Posts: 5,342
Bikes: Too darn many.. latest count is 11
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
It's an interesting conversation where I am. I'm certainly the oldest person in the department (52) and live the furthest away. When I started going in to the current office I saw no other cyclists. Now every day I see 5-6 bikes around the offices and others are asking questions and saying they're going to start. One of the women in the office informed me that I made them all feel like slouches because here I was twice the age of most of them and in much better shape than half of them. They just don't see me getting dropped on the MUP back and forth to work!
#19
Dropped myself
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 397
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Toronto
Posts: 1,779
Bikes: Leader 735TR 09 58cm 46/17
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#21
Strong with the Fred
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 970
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
In spite of me commuting for a year now, it's not catching on a work. A 3 co-workers proudly announced that they began to bicycle for recreation but most people think I'm kinda crazy for commuting to work. I used to see an old road bike and a trek mtb cabled to the stair rails in the break area but not anymore. Unless the bikes are being kept in an office like I do mine, I'm the only one who commutes to work.
Ernest
Ernest
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Augusta, GA
Posts: 639
Bikes: Bottecchia CF frame and fork, Ultegra 6603 crank and FD, DuraAce RD, Easton Vista wheels, Brooks B-17 saddle, Shimano 105 brakes, Michelin Pro2 Race tires
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
In spite of me commuting for a year now, it's not catching on a work. A 3 co-workers proudly announced that they began to bicycle for recreation but most people think I'm kinda crazy for commuting to work. I used to see an old road bike and a trek mtb cabled to the stair rails in the break area but not anymore. Unless the bikes are being kept in an office like I do mine, I'm the only one who commutes to work.
Ernest
Ernest
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Union, NJ
Posts: 574
Bikes: Canondale CAAD 10 3; Trek 7200; Motobecane Grand Sprint
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
When I first mentioned I was going to begin commuting 15 miles to work, I was told it was IMPOSSIBLE! Could not be done! Why people would think that riding a bike is impossible is beyond me. Regardless, I did it and have done it throughout the summer without problems. A couple of co-workers have expressed interest in buying bikes for recreational use, but no one has attempted commuting.
#24
Commuter
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Southern Maryland
Posts: 130
Bikes: Specialized Sequoia Elite
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I sense that some are surprised that there has been low "take-up" of commuting. Remember, it's only 0.4% of workers that commute. (Sorry I've forgotten the source where I read this). So in a plant or office with 1000 workers, there would only be 4 commuters.
#25
Should Be More Popular
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Malvern, PA (20 miles West of Philly)
Posts: 43,027
Bikes: 1986 Alpine (steel road bike), 2009 Ti Habenero, 2013 Specialized Roubaix
Mentioned: 560 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 22572 Post(s)
Liked 8,918 Times
in
4,152 Posts
My experience, which I suspect is fairly common, is that my co-workers roll their eyes and think I am eccentric. I would rather be inspiring, but that is not going to happen.